Malaysian Surgeon Becomes First Muslim to Fast on ISS in 2007

Malaysian orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was the first Muslim to fast during Ramadan while in space. On October 10, 2007, he launched to the International Space Station (ISS) and became the first person from his religion to do so. His 10-day mission happened during the last few days of Ramadan, and he and his crewmates marked Eid ul-Fitr. The Malaysian National Fatwa Council set rules for when people should fast and suggested that people follow the time zone of Baikonur, Kazakhstan, since the International Space Station sees 16 sunrises and sunsets every day. While doing scientific tests, he cleaned himself with wet towels. Notably, Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman was the first person to fast in space. He did it in 1985, but accounts often said that other things happened at the same time.

Reference:

– Al Jazeera English

– Encyclopedia of Britannica